Consumer intentions to purchase on foreign multi-sided digital platforms: a context of the COVID-19 pandemic†

Witek-Hajduk, Marzanna Katarzyna; Grudecka, Anna

doi:10.2478/ijme-2022-0007

Figures & Tables

Conceptual model.Source: Own elaboration.

Structural model.Source: Own elaboration with the use of SmartPLS software.

Respondents’ structure by the frequency of purchases on foreign MSPs

	Before COVID-19 pandemic		During COVID-19 pandemic

	Indications (No.)	Percentage	Indications (No.)	Percentage
YES, at least once a week	213	26.3	256	31.6
YES, less than once a week but at least once a month	434	53.6	414	51.1
YES, less than once a month but at least once every six months	141	17.4	106	13.1
YES, but less than once every six months	18	2.2	16	2.0
NO	4	0.5	18	2.2
Total	810	100.0	810	100.0

Respondents’ structure

		No. of indications (N = 810)	Percentage
Gender	Female	404	49.9
Gender	Male	406	50.1

Age (years)	18–34	301	37.2
	35–54	354	43.7
	55–65	155	19.1

Residence (inhabitants in thousands)	Village	147	18.1
	Up to 100	298	36.8
	101–500	214	26.4
	Over 500	151	18.6

Education	Primary or basic	249	30.7
	Secondary	317	39.1
	Incomplete higher/in progress/higher	244	30.1

Disposable income per household member in PLN/month	1,999 or less	276	34.1
	2,000—3,999	353	43.6
	4,000 and more	181	22.3

Fornell–Larcker discriminant validity

	CDT	IFOP	IPFP	LI	LSAE	OPI	PCS	PGI	PLQ	PPB	PPC	PPR	PPS	PUOP	PVP
CDT	0.878
IFOP	0.412	0.852
IPFP	0.286	0.473	0.878
LI	0.247	0.328	0.377	0.868
LSAE	0.317	0.378	0.443	0.632	0.803
OPI	0.318	0.527	0.525	0.376	0.415	0.886
PCS	0.290	0.446	0.716	0.332	0.427	0.387	0.863
PGI	0.228	0.335	0.260	0.532	0.509	0.263	0.253	0.909
PLQ	0.325	0.473	0.774	0.409	0.453	0.548	0.707	0.312	0.868
PPB	0.291	0.451	0.704	0.312	0.393	0.334	0.713	0.280	0.637	0.839
PPC	0.236	0.403	0.700	0.373	0.413	0.496	0.653	0.239	0.646	0.547	0.823
PPR	0.293	0.420	0.772	0.386	0.474	0.498	0.710	0.285	0.845	0.655	0.589	0.882
PPS	0.340	0.491	0.683	0.339	0.415	0.468	0.711	0.234	0.655	0.632	0.622	0.624	0.923
PUOP	0.305	0.473	0.439	0.333	0.363	0.725	0.352	0.243	0.503	0.313	0.456	0.457	0.399	0.866
PVP	0.282	0.447	0.746	.380	0.421	0.522	0.678	0.259	0.723	0.626	0.772	0.665	0.642	0.440	0.881

Path coefficients and significance of relations between constructs (direct effects)

H	Regression paths	Direct effects			Total effects

		Path coefficients	T-statistics	p values	Path coefficients	T-statistics	p values
H1a	CDT ⇒ OPI	0.020	0.680	0.496	0.020	0.680	0.496
H1b	CDT ⇒ IPFP	0.006	0.212	0.832	0.008	0.290	0.772
H2a	PUOP ⇒ OPI	0.574	16.602	0.000^***	0.574	16.602	0^***
H2b	PUOP ⇒ IPFP	0.010	0.303	0.762	0.071	1.867	0.062^*
H3a	IFOP ⇒ OPI	0.199	6.170	0.000^***	0.199	6.170	0^***
H3b	IFOP ⇒ IPFP	0.108	3.091	0.002^***	0.130	3.735	0^***
H4a	PGI ⇒ OPI	−0.035	1.177	0.239	−0.035	1.177	0.239
H4b	LI ⇒ OPI	0.098	2.673	0.008^***	0.098	2.673	0.008^***
H4c	LSAE ⇒ OPI	0.072	2.029	0.043^*	0.072	2.029	0.043^*
H5a	PGI ⇒ IPFP	−0.024	0.755	0.451	−0.028	0.862	0.389
H5b	LI ⇒ IPFP	0.102	2.518	0.012^**	0.112	2.742	0.006^***
H5c	LSAE ⇒ IPFP	0.020	0.541	0.588	0.028	0.729	0.466
H6	OPI ⇒ IPFP	0.107	2.519	0.012^**	0.107	2.519	0.012^**
H7a	PCS ⇒ PVP	0.246	4.138	0.000^***	0.052	0.581	0.561
H7b	PLQ ⇒ PVP	0.033	0.551	0.582	0.246	4.138	0^***
H7c	PPB ⇒ PVP	0.064	1.273	0.203	0.123	2.367	0.018^**
H7d	PPC ⇒ PVP	0.123	2.367	0.018^**	0.453	12.554	0^***
H7e	PPR ⇒ VP	0.453	12.554	0.000^***	0.033	0.551	0.582
H7f	PPS ⇒ PVP	0.052	0.581	0.561	0.064	1.273	0.203
H8	PVP ⇒ IPFP	0.592	13.164	0.000^***	0.592	13.164	0^***

Likert scales used in the study to measure reflective constructs, their sources, and factor loadings reliabilities

Likert scale statements(1 – strongly disagree; 7 – strongly agree)	Factor loadings	Source
CDT, Consumer disposition to trust (AVE = 0.771; item reliabilities = 0.944)
I generally trust other people.	0.891	Kim et al. (2008)
I generally have faith in humanity.	0.872	Kim et al. (2008)
I feel that people are generally reliable.	0.889	Kim et al. (2008)
I generally trust other people, unless they give me reasons not to.	0.846	Kim et al. (2008)
I feel that people are generally well meaning.	0.892	Own elaboration

PUOP, Perceived usefulness of online purchases (AVE = 0.749; total reliability = 0.937)
Online purchases make it easier to buy products.	0.872	Ashraf et al. (2014)
Compared to physical channels, online shopping takes less time.	0.871	Shang et al. (2005)
Compared to purchases in stationary stores, using online purchases enhances my shopping task effectiveness.	0.839	Kim et al. (2007)
Compared to purchases in stationary stores, using online shopping makes it easier to purchase.	0.892	Kim et al. (2007)
Compared to purchases in stationary stores, using online purchases saves me effort in performing tasks.	0.853	Kim et al. (2007)

IFOP, Perceived legal protection of online purchases (AVE = 0.726; total reliability = 0.949)
The existing laws in my country are sufficient to protect consumers’ online privacy.	0.882	Lwin et al. (2007)
There are stringent international laws to protect personal information of individuals on the Internet.	0.843	Lwin et al. (2007)
The government is doing enough to ensure that consumers are protected against online privacy violations.	0.867	Lwin et al. (2007)
The existing laws in my country are sufficient to protect online purchases.	0.852	Own elaboration
There are stringent international laws to protect cross-border online purchases.	0.814	Own elaboration
Protection of consumers against violations in the cross-border online purchases is adequate in the EU.	0.877	Own elaboration
The right to withdraw from the distance contract strongly protects consumers’ online purchases.	0.827	Own elaboration

PGI, Possibility of infection (AVE = 0.826; total reliability = 0.934)
The possibility of being infected with Coronavirus through contact with others, such as in or on the way to a stationary store.	0.929	Own elaboration
The possibility of being infected with Coronavirus through contact with a courier delivering a package from an online store.	0.926	Own elaboration
The possibility of getting infected with Coronavirus through contact with package from online store.	0.870	Own elaboration

LSAE, Changes in retailers’ activity during COVID-19 pandemic (AVE = 0.644; total reliability = 0.915)
No open stationary stores near where I live.	0.726	Own elaboration
Shortages or limited availability of goods in stationary stores during the pandemic.	0.861	Own elaboration
Long queues at stationary stores during the pandemic.	0.821	Own elaboration
Extended return time limits introduced by online stores during the pandemic.	0.765	Own elaboration
Extended delivery times for packages from online stores.	0.807	Own elaboration
Restrictions on the deliveries of goods from other countries.	0.828	Own elaboration

LI, Legal pandemic regulations related to shopping in brick-and-mortar shops (AVE = 0.754; total reliability = 0.924)
Restrictions related to purchasing at stationary stores during the pandemic, e.g., limit on people in the store, hours for seniors.	0.901	Own elaboration
Social isolation requirements.	0.897	Own elaboration
Closing of stores where I purchase certain products.	0.818	Own elaboration
Requirements to cover nose and mouth and use gloves in stationary stores.	0.854	Own elaboration

PLQ, Perception of quality of information on a foreign MSP and its layout (AVE = 0.753; total reliability = 0.948)
Visually, I highly value this platform.	0.860	McKnight et al. (2002)
On the website of this MSP I can easily find the contact details.	0.862	McKnight et al. (2002)
On this platform I can go to exactly what I want quickly.	0.872	Ha and Stoel (2009)
This platform provides reliable information.	0.872	Kim et al. (2008)
This platform provides sufficient information when I try to make a transaction.	0.868	Kim et al. (2008)
I am satisfied with the information that this platform provides.	0.872	Kim et al. (2008)

PPR, Perceived reputation of a foreign MSP (AVE = 0.778; total reliability = 0.933)
This platform is very well known.	0.819	Kim et al. (2008)
This platform has a very good reputation.	0.924	Kim et al. (2008)
This platform's vendors have a reputation for being honest.	0.897	Kim et al. (2008)
Overall, brands sold on this platform are very well perceived.	0.886	Kim et al. (2008)

PPS, Perceived payment security on a foreign MSP (AVE = 0.853; total reliability = 0.946)
This platform vendor implements security tools (e.g., identification) to protect Internet shoppers.	0.929	Kim et al. (2008)
I feel safe about the electronic payment system of this platform.	0.895	Kim et al. (2008)
I feel secure to use my credit card on this platform to make a purchase.	0.946	Kim et al. (2008)

PCS, Perceived customer service on a foreign MSP (AVE = 0.745; total reliability = 0.946)
This platform online shopping system fully responds to customer needs.	0.857	Ha and Stoel (2009)
This platform guarantees fast delivery.	0.762	Ha and Stoel (2009)
This platform's customer service personnel are always willing to help.	0.893	Ha and Stoel (2009)
Inquiries on this platform are answered promptly.	0.886	Ha and Stoel (2009)
This platform promises an easy return mode.	0.889	Oghazi et al. (2018)
I believe that the return time limits offered by this platform are very beneficial to consumers.	0.885	Own elaboration

PPB, Perception of products and brands sold on a foreign MSP (AVE = 0.704; total reliability = 0.904)
This platform offers only reliable products.	0.896	Ozen and Kaya (2013)
This platform offers only original branded products.	0.798	Ozen and Kaya (2013)
This platform offers only high-quality products.	0.881	Ozen and Kaya (2013)
This platform offers many value-for-money products.	0.774	Kim and Niehm, (2009)

PPC, Perception of prices and costs on a foreign MSP (AVE = 0.677; total reliability = 0.926)
This platform charges low delivery fee.	0.772	Oghazi et al. (2018)
This platform charges low return fee.	0.629	Oghazi et al. (2018)
This platform has attractive discounts and sales promotions.	0.856	Shang et al. (2005)
The prices on this platform are significantly lower compared to other online stores.	0.877	Delafrooz et al. (2009)
The prices on this platform are significantly lower compared to other stationery shops.	0.870	Own elaboration
This platform offers relatively low prices for products.	0.902	Own elaboration

PVP, Perceived value of purchases on a foreign MSP (AVE = 0.777; total reliability = 0.946)
Compared to the price I need to pay, this platform's offers are characterized by significant value for money.	0.921	Kim et al. (2007)
Compared to the price I need to pay, this platform offers reasonable prices.	0.897	Kim et al. (2007)
Compared to the effort I need to put in, this platform's offer is beneficial to me.	0.796	Kim et al. (2007)
Compared to the time I need to spend, this platform's offer is worthwhile to me.	0.886	Kim et al. (2007)
When I compare what I get for what I give, shopping from this platform offers a good value.	0.902	Kim et al. (2007)

OPI, Consumer online purchase intentions (AVE = 0.785; total reliability y = 0.948)
I am likely to purchase products in online stores.	0.904	Kim et al. (2008)
I am likely to make another purchase from this online store if I need the products I have purchased.	0.901	Kim et al. (2008)
In the future, I will continuously purchase products from online stores.	0.846	Asharf et al. (2014)
If I have to do this over again, I would choose online purchases.	0.903	Kim and Niehm (2009)
I would recommend online purchases to others.	0.875	Kim and Niehm (2009)

IPFP, Consumer intentions to purchase on a foreign MSP (AVE = 0.771; total reliability = 0.944)
I am likely to make another purchase from this platform if I need the products I have purchased.	0.883	Kim et al. (2007)
I intend to purchase product on this platform continuously in the future.	0.874	Kim et al. (2007)
I am likely to recommend this platform to other people.	0.889	Kim et al. (2007)
I would say positive things about this platform to other people.	0.868	Kim et al. (2007)
I consider myself to be very loyal to this platform.	0.877	Kim et al. (2007)

Consumer intentions to purchase on foreign multi-sided digital platforms: a context of the COVID-19 pandemic†

Figures & Tables

Figure 1

Figure 2

Respondents’ structure by the frequency of purchases on foreign MSPs

Respondents’ structure

Fornell–Larcker discriminant validity

Path coefficients and significance of relations between constructs (direct effects)

Likert scales used in the study to measure reflective constructs, their sources, and factor loadings reliabilities

Paradigm

My account